Poison ivy and oak, the notorious plants that have long plagued outdoor enthusiasts, are growing faster and larger than ever. Why? Give thanks to a super-soaked spring. In addition, rising carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere act as a natural fertilizer. This was shown in a 6-year study at Duke University. It revealed a direct correlation between the increasing levels of CO2 in the air and the flourishing growth of poison ivy and poison oak.

But what does this mean for those who venture into nature? It means we must exercise extra caution to avoid the wrath of these insidious plants. The allergic reaction caused by contact with the oily resin, urushiol, can turn a peaceful hike into a blistering nightmare.

To prevent the spread of this rash-causing oil, it is crucial to remove it from the skin as soon as possible. Moreover, be ultra aware of secondary contamination. Urushiol can stay active on surfaces for years, leading to unexpected rashes when touching items that have been in contact with the plant.

The poison oak and ivy experts behind Tecnu have your back, however. Tecnu Detox Wipes are generously sized poison ivy wipes that can be used immediately after exposure to the plant. They remove the noxious toxins before the rash has even started. You can also use them on equipment, like your shoes or mountain bike, to prevent secondary contamination.

But what about your entire body? The first step in poison ivy treatment for your entire body is Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser. It's the original product for poison plant contact dermatitis. Tecnu Original breaks the bond urushiol has with skin, so it can be washed off.

Our furry friends can unwittingly become carriers of this itchy menace. Although it doesn't affect their health, urushiol can cling to their fur, waiting to transfer its uncomfortable consequences to unsuspecting pet owners. Tecnu Original and Tecnu Detox Wipes are both effective methods of removing the oil from your pet's fur.

Emma — The Sleep Company is embracing the flourishing trend of sleep tourism by opening two bespoke sleep hotels: one in Sydney, Australia and the other in Taipei, Taiwan. As more travelers seek out a truly restful experience during their vacation, these unique hotels provide a revolutionary travel experience on two different continents.

Sleep has become a recurring topic of concern and interest since the onset of the pandemic. In a study conducted by the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, it was discovered that 40% of respondents reported a decline in sleep quality compared to the pre-COVID-19 period. The global health crisis has undoubtedly affected people's sleep patterns and highlighted the importance of restful slumber for overall well-being.

By embracing sleep tourism, travel enthusiasts can now satisfy their wanderlust while also nurturing their physical and mental well-being. Sleep tourism fosters an appreciation for the importance of relaxation and rejuvenation, acknowledging the crucial role that sleep plays in sustaining a healthy lifestyle.

"At Emma, we believe that a great night's sleep should be accessible to everyone" said Dr. Dennis Schmoltzi, Co-Founder and CEO of Emma – The Sleep Company. "We're immensely proud to be the first sleep brand to open its own dedicated sleep hotels in Australia and Taiwan. Our goal is to offer travelers the chance to immerse themselves in relaxing environments with award-winning Emma sleep products, and to unlock the transformative power of rest for their overall well-being."

Introducing the Emma Sleep Hotel in Sydney

Upon arrival, guests are greeted by the Snoreman, setting the tone for a memorable and sleep-focused adventure. The Rest-Ception area provides a cozy space for guests to settle in and unwind, and an onsite snooze-ologist will be available to provide personalized 1:1 sleep consultations, offering valuable insights and guidance to optimize guests' sleep habits. Every room is kitted out with Emma's award-winning mattresses and beds, and a sleep-inspired movie catalogue is available onscreen. Guests are also invited to select their perfect Emma pillow based on their preferences. On the hotel's roof terrace, the immersive experience continues with custom cocktails based on Emma's sleep expertise. Throughout the hotel, a calming playlist provides the perfect ambient backdrop for relaxation and enjoyment.

Emma Sleep Hotel in Taipei

Emma is collaborating with Monka Hotel in Taipei to introduce the first Emma Sleep Hotel in Asia. Situated close to the iconic Longshan Temple, the hotel underwent a complete transformation under Emma's supervision. Not even the exterior of the building remains untouched — it was painted to resemble one of Emma's iconic delivery boxes, setting the tone for the unique experience within. Every room within the hotel is fitted with award-winning Emma products, ranging from the beds to the pillows, ensuring a truly immersive Emma sleep experience for all guests from beginning to end.

About Emma – The Sleep Company:

Emma – The Sleep Company is a founder-managed company and the world's leading Direct-to-consumer sleep brand. Founded in 2013 by Dr. Dennis Schmoltzi and Manuel Mueller in Germany, the company is active in more than 30 countries and achieved a turnover of EUR 873 million (USD 869 million) in 2022, a growth rate of 35 percent from the previous year. Emma® products are sold via an omnichannel approach, including D2C/online, marketplaces, and more than 3,500 brick-and-mortar stores. Emma successfully collaborates with over 200 retailers. Emma's 1,000+ team members are working across the world, with offices in Frankfurt (Germany), Manila (Philippines), Lisbon (Portugal), Mexico City (Mexico), and Shanghai (China).

Three Holland America Line ships are set to explore the lush landscapes and natural wonders of Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific in 2024-2025. From unspoiled islands to cosmopolitan cities, Westerdam will spend the season Down Under, while Koningsdam and Zaandam each offer a longer Legendary Voyage to the South Pacific and Hawaii.

In October 2024 Westerdam sails a westwardly South Pacific crossing, followed by the iconic Australia Circumnavigation. From December 2024 through March 2025, the ship offers a series of 14-day departures roundtrip from Sydney, Australia, or between Auckland, New Zealand, and Sydney. Zaandam's "Tales of the South Pacific" in September 2024 is from Vancouver, Canada, to San Diego, California, or roundtrip San Diego, while Koningsdam's "Hawaii, Tahiti and Marquesas" in February 2025 is roundtrip from San Diego.

"Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific are iconically beautiful locations, but they have so much more to offer which is why they remain high on the bucket list of travelers who are looking to see the world with the ease of a cruise," said Beth Bodensteiner, Holland America Line's chief commercial officer. "The Australia Circumnavigation itinerary is the most in-depth immersion a cruiser can have of the continent, and many of our Legendary Voyages make it possible to visit distant destinations from a North American homeport. These cruises are among some of the most notable we offer."

Legendary Voyages Linger Longer

Holland America Line's extended Legendary Voyages range from 25 to 59 days and combine the ceremony of a Grand Voyage with itineraries that feature a comprehensive collection of ports that enrich the experience in each destination. Most of Holland America Line's Legendary Voyages sail roundtrip or to/from a North American homeport, allowing travelers to see the world from their doorstep with a convenient domestic flight and easy embarkation.

Highlights of the Australia and New Zealand 2024-2025 Season

LEGENDARY: The 35-day "Australia Circumnavigation" departing Nov. 17, 2024, sails Roundtrip from Sydney. Westerdam visits 16 ports around the continent of Australia and includes scenic cruising in the Great Barrier Reef, as well as the remote Ribbon Reef and Far North Regions. Guests enjoy overnight calls at Freemantle (Perth), Australia, and Hobart, Tasmania, along with a late-night departure from Adelaide. Beyond Australia, the ship will call at Komodo Island.

From January through March 2025, Westerdam offers 14-day "Australia and New Zealand" cruises between Auckland and Sydney. The sailings include six ports around New Zealand and a call at Hobart. All itineraries include scenic cruising in Fiordland National Park, and select dates also include Milford Sound.

A special 14-day "New Zealand Holiday" cruise departing Dec. 22, 2024, is roundtrip from Sydney. Guests spend the holidays exploring six ports around New Zealand, including an overnight call at Wellington. The holiday itinerary also features scenic cruising in Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound.

Highlights of the South Pacific 2024-2025 Season

LEGENDARY: 51- or 56-day "Tales of the South Pacific" voyage aboard Zaandam. The 51-day itinerary is roundtrip from San Diego departing Sept. 30, 2024, while the 56-day cruise is from Vancouver to San Diego departing Sept. 25. The exploration takes a counterclockwise route around the South Pacific, with 20 calls in Hawaii, Kiribati, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Niue, Cook and Society Islands, Marquesas and Tahiti. Guests have extra time ashore with overnights at Honolulu, Hawaii, and Papeete, Tahiti, as well as late-night departures from Honolulu and Suva, Fiji.

Westerdam's 23-day "South Pacific Crossing" departing Oct. 24, 2024, is from Seattle, Washington, to Sydney. The Pacific Ocean crossing includes seven ports in Hawaii, New Caledonia, Fiji and American Samoa.

LEGENDARY: The 35-day "Hawaii, Tahiti and Marquesas" aboard Koningsdam departs Feb. 15, 2025, and is roundtrip from San Diego. The ship makes four calls in Hawaii and six additional island calls throughout the South Pacific. Overnights include Honolulu, Raiatea, Moorea and Papeete.

LEGENDARY: Westerdam's 29-day "South Pacific Crossing" departing March 30, 2025, is from Sydney to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Guests discover 12 ports in Hawaii, American Samoa, Fiji and New Caledonia. The itinerary offers an overnight at Honolulu, plus late-night departures from Lahaina and Kona, Hawaii; Suva; and Nouméa, New Caledonia.

Book Back-to-Back Cruises with a Collectors' Voyage

Ranging from 43 to 58 days, Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific Collectors' Voyages are perfect for avid explorers seeking a more extensive cruise experience. The voyages combine back-to-back, nonrepeating itineraries and represent the best per-day value for guests.

Have It All

For a limited time, when guests book select 2024-2025 Australia/New Zealand cruises with the Have It All premium package, the standard package amenities of shore excursions, specialty dining, a Signature Beverage Package and Surf Wi-Fi are included — plus the added perk of free prepaid Crew Appreciation, along with free upgrades to the Elite Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi. Terms and conditions apply. Visit hollandamerica.com for full details.

Beginning fares for 2025 Australia/New Zealand/South Pacific cruises range from $2,449 to $10,999 per person, double occupancy, depending on length. Taxes, fees and port expenses are additional.

For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.

Editors Note: Photos are available at https://www.cruiseimagelibrary.com/c/jebkog2x.

Find Holland America Line on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and the Holland America Blog. You can also access all social media outlets via the home page at hollandamerica.com.

About Holland America Line

Holland America Line, part of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL andNYSE:CUK), has been exploring the world for 150 years with expertly crafted itineraries, extraordinary service and genuine connections to each destination. Offering an ideal mid-sized ship experience, its fleet visits nearly 400 ports in 114 countries around the world and has shared the thrill of Alaska for 75 years — longer than any other cruise line. Holland America Line's 11 vessels feature a diverse range of enriching activities and amenities focused on destination immersion and personalized travel. The best live music at sea fills each evening at Music Walk, and dining venues feature exclusive selections from a Culinary Council of world-famous chefs.

Princess Cruises, the most iconic cruise line in the world, today revealed the name of its second, sensational Sphere Class cruise ship – Star Princess, which will sail an inaugural season of Mediterranean voyages when she debuts in August 2025.

Currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, Star Princess joins Sun Princess as the largest ships ever built for Princess at 175,500 tons and carrying 4,300 guests. The new ship is built on a platform that is distinctly different and unique to Princess, designed to simultaneously embrace the Princess heritage while celebrating the romance of the sea by offering more dynamic, outward views.

While 20 percent larger than any of the line's existing ships, Star Princess design retains the more intimate settings Princess is known for, with a number of new and incredibly ground-breaking spaces such as:

This second Sphere Class ship will also offer a number of spectacular features with an array of exciting new food and beverage concepts; a magnificent, expanded casino; a two-story Lotus Spa; and mesmerizing entertainment headlined by Cirque Éloize.

Guests also will love the expanded accommodations options with luxurious staterooms and suites, including the new Reserve and Signature Collections.

Star Princess also will showcase the exclusive Princess Medallion service that extends Princess' leadership position in delivering exceptional personalized experiences.

The new ship will be the second in the Princess fleet to be powered by LNG fuel technology and also is being built with the most advanced sustainable innovations available.

Star Princess debuts August 4, 2025, sailing a nine-day Inaugural Italy & Greece roundtrip voyage from Rome (Civitavecchia), featuring the destinations of Corfu, Kotor, Mykonos, Santorini and Naples (for Capri and Pompeii), followed by a variety of 9- and 10-day cruises sailing from Rome, Athens or Trieste (Venice) that visit idyllic coastal ports. Star Princess cruises go on sale with the larger Europe 2025 program release on June 1, 2023.

"There's much to be admired about Star Princess - her sleek, eye-catching design, spacious interiors, and of course, the remarkable views of the sea and sky, just like the features found on Sun Princess that have prompted cruise lovers to snap up inaugural year bookings," said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. "We've carefully designed these ships to feel familiar to our guests yet significantly advanced with lots of exceptional new and expanded experiences to embrace and explore."

Princess' first Star Princess ship initially launched in 1988 as Sitmar Fair Majesty. With the merger of Sitmar Cruises into Princess, she then entered service as Star Princess in 1989, and was christened by legendary actress and humanitarian Audrey Hepburn. The second Star Princess launched in 2002, as the third Grand-Class vessel playing an instrumental role in the evolution of the brand with popular offerings like Anytime Dining, the only dining program in the industry at the time to give guests freedom to dine where, when and with whom they wish.

Princess Cruises is The Love Boat, the world's most iconic cruise brand that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year in the most sought-after destinations on the largest ships that offer elite service personalization and simplicity customary of small, yacht-class ships. Well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences and boundless activities blend with exclusive Princess MedallionClass service to create meaningful connections and unforgettable moments in the most incredible settings in the world - the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc.